While we do adore new and shiny things as much as the next guy, we’ve got to give big love to the designers who work to save our planet’s precious resources by transforming used-up goods into something gorgeous, green, and – maybe most important right now - very gift-appropriate. Not only do recycled-material gifts make both giver and receiver feel all warm and fuzzy about doing something lovely for Mama Earth – they’re also often wildly creative, one-of-a-kind creations that make for fabulous conversation pieces.

Artisan John Carter’s Walk/Don’t Walk Chair, for example, should stop most people in their tracks. Which makes sense, since the chair’s main components are crossing signs taken straight from the streets of New York City. Last year bookofjoe’s blogger gave the remote-controlled chair the “bookofjoe 2005 Best Chair of the Year Award,” noting that the piece “comes complete with all the genuine scuffs and stains of its New York City roots.”

Out of the city and into the sea, Riverside Design Group’s SeaGlass four-piece plate set recycles ocean-wave-shaped glass into dinnerware that ThisNexter cogg calls “irresistible” (“I first saw these plates a year ago and have been lusting after them ever since,” says cogg, adding that he’s “always liked the texture and look of sea glass”).

Texture and look are both essential to the allure of VivaTerra’s Sari Ribbon Scarf & Mittens. To create each piece, Nepalese villagers handweave sari scraps that burst with brilliant color. Adding to the eco-conscious element of the items, proceeds help preserve Nepal’s native culture and keep rural communities intact.

Just as sure to entice the eco-minded ladies on your gift list, the everything/anything eco-chic silver clutch features “shiny shiny silver that sparkles because of the woven texture, and haute hot pink on the inside,” says thedelicious. As for the eco element, our shopcaster explains “the entire line of bags and purses from ecoist is made from recycled candy wrappers, food packaging, and soft drink labels.” Pretty sweet.

For those who really know what time it is, the Recycled CD Clock from Acorn Studios makes for an “indie, eco-friendly and just plain gorgeous” present, according to craftrevolution.

The trash-salvaged treasure that most strikes my fancy, however, is probably the Beer/Soda Can Cuff that elsewares dubs the “best bracelet ever.” Made from 100 percent sterling silver and recycled cans, the cuffs are available in Lucky Lager, Rolling Rock, Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, Sunkist, Guinness, Miller High Life, or Pabst Blue Ribbon (mine!).

If you’re the type who wraps up presents for her pet pooch and who gets her kicks dressing said pup up in darling little sweaters, then the Annatarian-selected Deborah Lindquist Recycled Cashmere Dog Sweater is most likely your best bet for eco-chic doggie fashion.

And for those writerly types on your list, save a few trees by gifting with Vintage Magazine Notes and Five and a Half Handmade Journals. The former are “stationary made from vintage American popular culture magazines purchased from garage sales, thrift stores and magazine warehouses,” explains ThisNexter myladyboog. “Each set varies so no 2 are the same! Cute, original, fun, well-designed and eco-friendly.”

See more of my Everything Old Is New Again list at ThisNext.